From Macro to Micro View, What’s In Our DNA?

On a macro level, the expanding focus on Y-chromosome, Mitochondrial, and Autosomal DNA testing for genetic genealogy research is increasing to assist family historians with discovering more about their ancestral family history. The growing DNA databases of participants sharing their test results have dramatically increased the chances of discovering DNA connections linking their ancestral pasts with the accompanying wealth of ancestral history to be discovered using those results to help break down the brick walls we have all encountered at one time or another while researching our family history.

On a micro level and in the current moment, we can look back on our life experiences to learn of the more obvious physical and emotional family DNA characteristics that define the “nature” side within our families that have been influenced by how we are nurtured while growing up. We can all probably identify a common thread of behavior that defines our individual families.

On one end of the spectrum, we discover individuals with characteristics such as selfless leadership, sacrifice, and loyalty. Some families are blessed with fully functioning individuals capable of being understanding, supportive, empathetic, communicative, thoughtful, caring and loving. This attitude is consistent with “there but for the grace of God go I” and “treat others as you would have them do unto you”. We have all come in contact with these types of individuals during our lifetime and they are noticed, recognized, admired, and appreciated.

On the other end of the spectrum, we discover individuals with the need to control others and use them for their own selfish gains with a sense of entitlement while lurking behind a charismatic shell. They have low self-esteem and feel better about themselves by tearing others down while projecting their own insecurities on to them. It’s all about them, they are always right and need to win at all costs, with no remorse. They are incapable of compromise or taking responsibility for their actions while blaming others. To get their way they lie, manipulate, cheat, and deceive others. Ironically, despite their actions they view themselves as victims. They respond to those who challenge them with rage and those impacted by their actions receive no empathy. Once they are done using you to satisfy their needs you are systematically bullied, devalued and ostracized in a passive aggressive, cruel, and cowardly manner. Attempts to discuss and rectify the situation are met with more lies and belligerence leaving you to believe you are losing your mind. The only way to survive this treatment is to let them have their way, disconnect, or isolate from the individual. But unfortunately, this only enables their behavior. Sound familiar?

BUT I DIGRESS…let’s focus our energy on the big picture of DNA test results and how we can learn more about our family history!

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